lesson 17 modernism
Modernism Overview
Focus on Europe and America, with additional global perspectives later.
Eugene Adjaye: The First Modern Photographer
Born in France, orphaned early.
Worked various jobs before turning to photography.
Settled in Paris in 1890; shifted focus from theater to photography due to lack of formal training.
Known for documenting Paris as it changed at the turn of the century.
Photography Style and Themes
Produced approximately 10,000 photographs emphasizing street life, architecture, and urban spaces.
Photos often considered artful despite Adjaye's view of them as mere documents, often capturing surreal qualities.
Photographic techniques included close-ups and long shots, akin to film direction.
Example works include albumin prints depicting Paris's landscapes and public spaces.
Influence on Surrealism
The work of Adjaye caught the attention of avant-garde artists, including American Man Ray.
Man Ray recognized the artistic potential in Adjaye's photographs, including their surreal qualities.
Adjaye's request to omit his name from credits showcases his insistence on photography as documentation, not fine art.
Bernice Abbott: Preserving Adjaye's Legacy
Abbott, a former assistant to Man Ray, played a crucial role in saving Adjaye's work after his death.
Her dedication contributed significantly to the establishment of comprehensive photographic archives.
Abbott's Impact on Photography
Abbott documented New York City post-Adjaye period, capturing urban life through her innovative style.
Established a reputation for high-quality photography and was involved in social causes, including labor rights through the Photo League.
Paul Strand and the Transition to Modernism
A pivotal figure in the modernist shift in photography, transitioning from pictorialism.
Associated with Alfred Stieglitz's Camera Work and recognized for a more direct photographic style.
Focused on the intrinsic capabilities of the large format camera, aiming for a truth-based aesthetic in photography.
Notable Works
"Wall Street" (1917) exemplifies blend of abstraction and realism with a stark depiction of society.
Strand’s work often highlighted social issues and was characterized by clear, objective portrayals.
Alvin Langdon Coburn: Modernist Photography
Coburn began photographing at an early age, influenced by pictorialism before venturing into modernism.
Developed "vortographs," melding photography with abstract art influenced by Cubist movements.
Connection with Vorticism
Vorticism, as influenced by Cubism and Futurism, showcased dynamic motion and shapes.
Coburn's transition to abstract photography marked a significant evolution in the perceptual approach to photography.
Post-World War I Artistic Response
The psychological impact of WWI and the pandemic led to movements like Dadaism.
Dadaism, emerging from a rejection of logic and reason in capitalist society, produced works that mocked traditional art.
Marcel Duchamp's readymades, such as "Fountain," challenged definitions of art, emphasizing context over medium.
Surrealism and the Unconscious
Surrealism, growing from Dadaism and influenced by Freud, explored the unconscious mind through art.
Surrealist works embody unexpected juxtapositions and dream-like qualities, capturing the inner workings of the mind.
The Armory Show: Introduction of Modern Art to America
Held in 1913, the Armory Show featured major European and American modern artists.
Served to initiate a significant cultural shift in the perception of modern art in America.
Sparked mixed reactions, reflecting both intrigue and disdain towards modernist movements.
The Bauhaus and Modernist Design
Founded by Walter Gropius, the Bauhaus revolutionized art education by merging fine and applied arts.
Moholy-Nagy contributed significantly, advocating for new photographic methods, including photograms.
Legacy of Bauhaus
Promoted simplicity and functionality in design, influencing countless sectors of art and architecture.
Notable developments include iconic furniture designs that have remained relevant and in production.
Conclusion
Modernism, as highlighted through key photographers and artistic movements, reflects a profound evolution in perspectives on art, society, and technology during the 20th century.